ANC's biggest region calls for a woman president
The ANC¹s eThekwini Region has thrown its weight behind a woman president ahead of the election of a new leader at the party's 54th National Conference in December.
Regional Secretary Bheki Ntuli says women in the ANC have a proven track record in leadership positions.
The region's call comes amid speculation that former African Union Commission chair, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, is ready to launch a campaign to succeed President Jacob Zuma.
The ANC Women¹s League (ANCWL) has openly declared its support for Dlamini-Zuma, with the ANC Youth League also saying the party is ready to be led by a woman.
"We as the Regional Executive Committee (REC) have resolved as a structure on a woman president," says Ntuli.
"We are listening to the various structures and leagues, in particular the Women's League, which has endorsed Dlamini-Zuma for president. We are listening to them."
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Ntuli believes Dlamini-Zuma has done a sterling job at the African Union and that her skills must now be utilised by the ANC.
"We are of the firm view that it's now time for a woman president. We are still going to engage with the branches on which name we are going to put up. When the time comes we will put out the name. In fact, we do have a name we will put forward."
Ntuli says given the role played by women throughout the history of the ANC, the time has come for the party to be led by a woman.
"We will look at a woman who has done a lot of work inside and outside the country. Someone who has experience in leading the government and someone who has been a minister," says Ntuli.
The ANC Youth League in KZN has also thrown it's weight behind Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to lead the party beyond 2017.